Simvastatin

Simvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering drug. It belongs to a class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, commonly called “statins.” Other statins include lovastatin (Mevacor), atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), and rosuvastatin (Crestor). Statins reduce cholesterol by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver (HMG-CoA reductase) that is necessary for the production of cholesterol. In the blood, statins lower total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol as well as triglycerides. LDL cholesterol is believed to be an important cause of coronary artery disease. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels slows and may even reverse coronary artery disease. Statins also increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Raising HDL cholesterol levels, like lowering LDL cholesterol may slow coronary artery disease. Simvastatin is used for reducing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, and for increasing HDL cholesterol. In patients with coronary heart disease, diabetes, peripheral vessel disease, or history of stroke or other cerebrovascular disease, simvastatin is prescribed for reducing the risk of mortality by reducing death from coronary heart disease, reducing nonfatal myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke, and reducing the need for coronary and noncoronary revascularization procedures.